COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, arrived at Columbus Air Force Base with a clear purpose: Immerse in the pilot training mission.
During his visit Sept. 5-6, Bickley focused on meeting Airmen that are the keystone to reoptimizing Team 14 to meet future challenges from near-peer competitors.
Throughout his stay, Bickley toured the 14th Operations Group, specifically visiting the Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) team. RAPCON controls and directs the airspace around CAFB, ensuring the safety of all aircraft in its radius.
"The next generation of the Air Force is here at Columbus,” said Bickley, “Ensuring that we’re optimizing their time and training here and giving them the right tools is crucial for their success.”
Bickley also visited the 14th Medical Group, the Maintenance Assurance Quality team, 14th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Station and met with Airmen from different Air Force Specialty Codes across the installation.
“Every Airman needs to have a warrior mindset,” said Bickley. “Focusing on operational readiness and keeping a warfighter mentality is vital for producing combat-ready Airmen.”
Bickley also traveled to Mississippi State University to meet with their Operational Support Team (OST). CAFB members have collaborated with OST to gain more insight on optimal human performance and help develop this concept within the pilot training mission to shape the next generation of Air Force pilots.
“Reoptimization doesn’t just happen through efforts on base; we have to be open to what is around us as potential resources or innovations in technologies to improve readiness,” said Col. Jon Cato, 14th Flying Training Wing deputy commander. “Getting the community involved can help augment some of those initiatives as we reoptimize for Great Power Competition.”
While at MSU, Bickley visited MSU’s Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Detachment 425, to meet and speak with cadets and cadre. He spoke about warfighter readiness and the importance of preparing the next generation of the Air Force.
“It was great to hear the chief reinforce the importance of the training we do,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Evans, Detachment 425 commander. “Chief Bickley is a great speaker and his enthusiasm for Air Force service is a great influence on the morale and dedication the cadets have for their training and future active service. His vast experience provides significant context for how the training the cadets receive now will translate into a positive influence in future fights.”
Bickley finished his visit by attending and speaking to Airmen and community leaders at the annual CAFB Air Force Anniversary Ball. There, he discussed the importance of training and development.
“The number one thing that separates us is our training – it has been and always will be,” said Bickley. “Training is the cornerstone of a fighting force. People from around the world come to train with the world’s greatest Air Force. We must train the way we fight … and fight the way we train.”